The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-06-04
Well, yes; but carpet is not fur

'
 was silent, but 1 did not feel so thoroughly convinced of the cheap ness of the arrangement. The cost was certainly the least brilliant part of my idea, I could not help thinking. Before we went home to tea that afternoon we had ordered a square ot Turkey carpet, a capital second hand full-sized billiard table and a few leather-covered seats to put round the room. The carpet was to be made a fixture the next day; there was no difficulty about that part of the busi- ness, but the table and seats could not be sent till Saturday morning.
 It was running things very close Suppose Aunt Georgina and the bill liard-table were to make their entry at the same time? We were not a stones throw from the Great Western Hotel, and she was sure to come round directly she arrived-she was one of those people who must air their tongues.
 But no! On second thoughts, such horrible rencontre would be un- likely. Saturday is only half day, and the men would be sure to want to get their work over early. It was also extremely improbable that Aunt Georgina would arrive before the afternoon. Still, in spite of all this. we both felt little nervous. and we talked good deal about it during dinner, and afterwards when we re- tired to my little snuggery of a smok- ing-room, opposite the dining room.
 About nine o'clock we heard the postman's knock, and Margaret flew to get the letters. She brought back post card from Aunt Georgina, and we nearly tore it in two with both trying to read it at the same time though there was not much to read. Il shall arrive tomorrow at the G. w. Hotel, and shall look ill upon you some time in the afternoon" was all the information it gave us.
 drew a long breath of relief.
 By love! What a blessing" I said. By the time she arrives here, our spare-room will be full fedged. business like looking billiard room, and she will suspect nothing"
 l am sure we both slept better that night than we had all the week.
 Directly breakfast was over the next morning, we began to expect our men. 1 had taken a whole holidaV- or l should say half one, as l always come home early on Saturdays-in the honor of the billiard table and Aunt Georgina. When ten o'clock struck, Margaret affirmed it as her opinion that the men were not coming at all. l tried to diSabuse her of this idea. But when eleven and twelve had struck and still there were no signs of them, began to be alarmed myself, and Margaret walked up and down between the back and front drawing rooms like a bear in a cage or tragedy actress rehearsing her scene.
 had just gone to my study for a newspaper, when, half way down the stairs, heard shriek from Margaret. hurried back at once. She was standing by the window. 'Come. Come" was all that she could say.
 What is it?" I cried, rushing to the window. "The billiard -table?"
 Alas. it was no such vision of bliss. A four wheeled cab had just drawn up at our door, from the window of which was seen protruding the crum- pied black face of a pug and a huge nosegay of flowers.
 "Perhaps it is some one who came to the wrong house." I said faintly, catching at straw. But the next moment this straw was swept away from me, as a stout, fair lady in tow ering floral bonnet stepped gingerly out of the vehicle, pug in one hand and flowers in the other. It was no optical delusion. It was Aunt Geor- gina.
 In another minute she would be in the drawing room. What were we to do? Margaret. however. did not lose her presence of mind even in this unlocked for and awful crisis In all the five years of our married life I have never known it desert her.
 Now, Charley" she said emphati- cally, "what we have to do is to oc- cupy her and keep her in this room till the billiard table arrives" She looked pale, but dauntless, and I felt my courage rising by force of example.
 "Supposing the table does not come at all?" l could not help suggesting dismally.
 Its sure to come." she said, catch ing her breath; ''and try not to look as if anything was the matter"
 Well, and here I am, you see.' cried high pitched voice. And Aunt Georgina sailed into the room. pug-dog, flowers and all, diffusing an overpowering odor of patchouli around her. Il thought you wouldn't mind my dropping in to lunch" (What lucky thing this isn't the Palace of Truth, thought to myself) Il really couldn't wait any longer to see you, my dear Maggie" (Here she